Even after a quick glance at the flight line in front of Patrol Squadron (VP) 30’s hangar – the most casual observer would notice something is missing. On a typical day, the tarmac is abuzz with activity during the ongoing transition from the P-3C Orion to the P-8A Poseidon.

Today the flight line is noticeably absent of aircraft, maintenance professionals and aircrew. With the NAS Jacksonville runway set to close on June 8, VP-30 – the Navy’s largest squadron – has led the charge in shifting flight operations west to Cecil Airport.

While the change has been significant to Sailors of VP-30, Cecil Airport is no stranger to hosting naval operations. Commissioned by the Navy in 1943 as Naval Auxiliary Air Station Cecil Field, it has changed hands several times over the years.

Presently, the airfield is managed by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority. Its close proximity to NAS Jacksonville has allowed VP-30 to continue executing its mission without skipping a beat.

Moving the manpower, support equipment, and aircraft of the Navy’s largest squadron isn’t something that can be done overnight. Months of planning and countless meetings allowed leadership to liaise with base leadership and Cecil Airport personnel.

Areas of concern were identified and a plan to safely execute the move was developed. The process started with all aircraft landing at Cecil Airport on May 8.

The squadron stood down flight operations for a week to allow Sailors to man their spaces and acclimate to their new surroundings. Flight operations were resumed on May 19 and full FRS production was back on track the following day.

Lt. Cmdr. Brian Blaschke has been heavily involved in the move and currently serves as the VP-30 Officer in Charge of Cecil Airport operations. Following the first week of operations at Cecil Airport he provided his thoughts.

“It is amazing to look out on the flight line and see VP-30 aircrew and maintainers executing the FRS mission from Cecil Airport. Fixing and flying airplanes from a facility with limited infrastructure is challenging enough but to do so while simultaneously training replacement P-3 and P-8 aircrew for the Fleet is truly daunting. Our maintenance team and aircrew instructors are unbelievable problem solvers and leaders and it’s because of them that the Pros’ Nest has successfully executed. I’m very grateful for the superb support we received and continue to receive from NAS Jacksonville, NAVFAC Southeast, CNRSE, and the great staff at Cecil Airport.”

Such an undertaking would not be possible without the support of many organizations. In particular, Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) has worked closely with VP-30 throughout the process.

Kelly Dollarhide, general manager of JAA stated, “The first week of flying at Cecil Airport went great. JAA would like to thank VP-30, Wing 11, and NAS Jacksonville for making the transition to Cecil Airport so smooth.”

While flights and maintenance evolutions have been conducted safely thus far, the professionals at VP-30 recognize operating in a new and dynamic environment requires constant vigilance. Operating away from home is nothing new for the seasoned staff members, but adding students, congested airspace, and towing and backing aircraft requires extra coordination and attention. As Wing 11 begins to arrive at Cecil Airport in the coming weeks, the lessons learned by the Pros’ Nest will be invaluable to ensure the continued success of all squadrons in their new temporary home.